Michigan

Let's not get carried away, Matt Flynn isn't likely to come close to repeating his 2011 performance against the Lions, but Detroit's secondary isn't exactly striking fear into the hearts of opposing quarterbacks at the moment.
(AP File Photo)

But things figure to be a little bit different this go-around. The Lions were missing both Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson for the game in Green Bay. It goes without saying those two are critical cogs in Detroit's offense.

The Lions are catching the Packers at a time when their defense is struggling. They've given up at least 26 points each of the past five games. Over that same stretch, opposing quarterbacks have a passer rating over 100, completing 64.8 percent of their passes for 1,157 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception.

The Lions should be able to move the ball, they just need to protect it. That shouldn't as difficult as it's been in recent weeks. Only four teams have forced fewer turnovers than the Packers.

The Lions can't cover anyone, and given the way Green Bay backup Matt Flynn tossed the pigskin in the fourth quarter against the Vikings last Sunday, there's no reason to believe he can't carve up Detroit's secondary.

In addition to the Packers' aerial assault, Eddie Lacy is the last running back to have any success against Detroit's defense. He gained 99 yards on 23 carries in the win earlier this season and has gone over the century mark three times since that game, including 110 against the Vikings.

Lacy, a hulking north-south runner, will be a challenge. But Detroit's front seven has been dominant against the run in recent weeks. A tailback hasn't topped 40 yards in the past six games against the Lions.

Edge: Packers

Special TeamsSam Martin continues to bring stability to Detroit's punting unit, although the coverage groups struggled as much as they have all season with Tampa Bay's Eric Page last week.

Even though Randall Cobb is out, Detroit has to be wary of rookie Micah Hyde, who is averaging 12.8 yards on punt returns and has a 93-yard touchdown under his belt.

Green Bay's coverage units have been a little shaky. They gave up a 109-yard kickoff return to Minnesota Vikings rookie Cordarrelle Patterson and rank 22nd covering punts, allowing 10.0 yards per attempt.

Both of Detroit's return men, Micheal Spurlock and Jeremy Ross, have flashed in recent weeks. They'll look to continue that success on Thursday.

Edge: Lions

CoachingNothing has changed since these teams met in early October.

Mike McCarthy has been one the NFL's most successful coaches since taking over in Green Bay in 2008. He's led the team to five playoff appearances and a Super Bowl victory.

With the win over the Lions earlier this season, he pushed his career mark against Detroit to 10-1.

Under Schwartz, the Lions have not only struggled to beat the Packers, they've struggled in the second half of the season. The team dropped eight in a row to close out 2012 and have lost consecutive games where they were the favorites coming into this game with Green Bay.

Edge: Packers

IntangiblesYeah, Rodgers is out, but it's not like Flynn hasn't proven himself against the Lions in the past. Everyone remembers the 480 yards and six touchdowns he posted against Detroit in 2011.

To make matters worse, the Lions will likely be without starting cornerback Chris Houston, putting the team in a situation where they'll need to rely on wildly inconsistent rookie Darius Slay.

Both teams come into the contest struggling. The Lions have dropped two in a row while the Packers are 0-3-1 in their last four. The stakes are high, with the division lead and potential tie-breakers hanging in the balance.

The difference is the Packers have been in this situation before and have proven capable of handling the expectations.

Finally, an interesting side story is the harsh words Packers offensive lineman Josh Sitton had for Detroit's defensive line and coaching staff. The Lions didn't need any additional motivation, but Sitton's comments add a little more fuel to what already figured to be an intense game.

Edge: Packers

Predictions

Justin Rogers: Green Bay 28, Detroit 26 -- The Lions are entirely unpredictable right now. They'll field the more talented team against the Packers, but it's impossible to place any faith in Detroit's banged-up secondary.

Kyle Meinke: Detroit 28, Green Bay 24 -- Detroit plays its best football when its back is against the wall, and that's certainly the case here. The Lions are facing a must-win scenario, and don't have to face Aaron Rodgers.